First Nevada 150th anniversary coin comes off the press

With the touch of a button Friday, Gov. Brian Sandoval sent 120 tons of pressure onto a blank 1-ounce silver planchet and created Nevada’s first 150th anniversary silver medallion.

By ED VOGEL LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU

October 25, 2013 - 2:02 pm

Chief Coiner Ken Hopple holds the first pressing of the official State of Nevada sesquicentennial medallion during a minting ceremony at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Oct. 25, 2013. The medallion, seen here showing the State of Nevada seal on the back side, was pressed by Coin Press No. 1 which minted coins at the U.S. Mint at Carson City from 1870 to 1893. The press exerted 120 tons of pressure to produce the one ounce silver medallion. (Jason Bean/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Chief Coiner Ken Hopple holds the first pressing of the official State of Nevada sesquicentennial medallion during a minting ceremony at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Oct. 25, 2013. The medallion was pressed by Coin Press No. 1 which minted coins at the U.S. Mint at Carson City from 1870 to 1893. The press exerted 120 tons of pressure to produce the one ounce silver medallion. (Jason Bean/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Chief Coiner Ken Hopple, left, and Governor Brian Sandoval pose with the first pressing of the official State of Nevada sesquicentennial medallion during a minting ceremony at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Oct. 25, 2013. The medallion was pressed by Coin Press No. 1, seen in the background, which minted coins at the U.S. Mint at Carson City from 1870 to 1893. The press exerted 120 tons of pressure to produce the one ounce silver medallion. (Jason Bean/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Chief Coiner Ken Hopple, left, hands Governor Brian Sandoval the first pressing of the official State of Nevada sesquicentennial medallion during a minting ceremony at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Oct. 25, 2013. The medallion was pressed by Coin Press No. 1, seen in the background to the left, which minted coins at the U.S. Mint at Carson City from 1870 to 1893. The press exerted 120 tons of pressure to produce the one ounce silver medallion. (Jason Bean/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Governor Brian Sandoval holds the first pressing of the official State of Nevada sesquicentennial medallion during a minting ceremony at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Oct. 25, 2013. The medallion was pressed by Coin Press No. 1 which minted coins at the U.S. Mint at Carson City from 1870 to 1893. The press exerted 120 tons of pressure to produce the one ounce silver medallion. (Jason Bean/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

CARSON CITY — With the touch of a button Friday, Gov. Brian Sandoval sent 120 tons of pressure onto a blank 1-ounce silver planchet and created Nevada’s first 150th anniversary silver medallion.

Of course, he didn’t have to use this fingers to place the piece of silver in the slot on 1868- vintage coin Press No. 1. He left that duty to the state’s official “coiner,” Ken Hopple, who after performing the state medallion-pressing duties for the past 12 years still has all 10 of his fingers.

“Ken might be out of a job,” said the governor jokingly after finishing his duty.

Then unexpectedly Sandoval pulled a check for $100.50 out of his pocket and paid the same price that people around the state are paying for the medallion.

“You didn’t think I was good for it?” quipped Sandoval, who as governor would be entitled to a free medallion.

Hopple over the next few weeks — one coin at a time — will mint the first 1,000 silver medallions to celebrate the state’s admission into the union on Oct. 31, 1864. The medallion features the state seal on one side and a 150th anniversary logo on the other.

The state’s Sesquicentennial Commission selected the design of the first medallions. Three other medallions will be released in the coming year as the state holds at least 150 anniversary events. Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, chairman of the Sesquicentennial Commission, said the commission will hold a public contest to select the next medallion design.

Krolicki also said the first 1,000 silver medallions already have been purchased by people who filled out advance application forms. But he said others still should apply to buy either the silver medallion, or a $15 copper medallion.

Additional supplies of silver or copper will be acquired by the state. For more information on purchasing a medallion, call the Legislative Counsel Bureau, 775-684-6835.

During the ceremony, Krolicki reminded the governor — who initially referred to the medallions as “coins” — that the federal government prohibits states from minting real coins. So call them medallions.

Silver sold Friday for $22 an ounce, so whether the medallion is a coin or not, it still is worth money.

The initial 1,000 ounces of silver were donated to the state by the Coeur Rochester mine near Lovelock. Krolicki said he hopes other mines will make donations of silver or copper. Profits from the sale of medallions will be used to pay for 150th anniversary events.

“It is going to be an exciting year,” said Sandoval, who will participate Saturday in the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City and later toss the coin to open the annual University of Nevada, Reno versus the University of Nevada, Las Vegas football game in Reno.

“I have friends on one side and I have friends on the other side. I will be siding with my friends,” quipped Sandoval, a UNR graduate, when asked about the outcome of the football game.

He said he plans to toss his silver medallion when he walks on the football field and makes the coin toss before kickoff. Sandoval will be accompanied by Mason Kamerer, a 12-year-old Sparks Middle School student wounded Monday at shooting at his school.

As part of the sesquicentennial ceremonies, a Nevada Day Parade also will be held in Las Vegas on Nevada Day 2014.

The minting ceremony took place in the Nevada State Museum, the same building that housed he U.S. Mint between 1870 and 1893 and where Press No. 1 made coins with the cherished “cc” mint mark. The state acquired the building long after it closed and opened the museum in 1941.

Right across from the press — and behind huge bars — is a collection of 109 of the 111 different gold and silver coins minted in Carson City A private collection of all 111 Carson City coins sold last year for nearly $15 million.

The two coins the museum lacks — both minted in 1873 — sell for about a combined $3.5 million. There is only one known copy of the 1873 “no arrows” dime, although Hopple expects there are others out there.

Clark County School Board President Deanna Wright says she followed proper expense protocol in trip to Florida last year.

Matt Kelly Elementary School hosted its third annual Back-to-School Red Carpet Program

Matt Kelly Elementary School hosted its third annual Back-to-School Red Carpet Program where community and business leaders joined to welcome students back with an inspirational welcome. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal @bizutesfaye

Shooting leaves 1 dead in southeast valley

A man was found fatally shot in the doorway of a squatter apartment after an argument ended in gunfire on Sunday night. Officers responded about 10:30 p.m. to the Silver Pines apartments and discovered the man in a breezeway in one of the buildings. The wounded man died at the scene, despite the efforts of another person, who tried to administer medical aid. Witnesses saw a man and a woman flee the scene, but were unable to give police a clear description.

North Las Vegas unveils new school crosswalk

North Las Vegas councilman Isaac Barron talks about the new school crosswalk in front of CP Squires Elementary School Monday, August 6, 2018. (Marcus Villagran/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @brokejournalist

LVMPD Briefing on OIS #13

Assistant Sheriff Tim Kelly held a press conference to discuss details of the 13th officer-involved-shoot for the department in 2018. Video shows the moments before the suspect was shot. The shooting, which has been edited out, occurred as the suspect lunged at an officer outside the apartment. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Sedan and semitrailer collide in south Las Vegas

An early Wednesday morning crash has left one person in critical condition. A sedan and semitrailer collided around 4 a.m. at the corner of Spencer Street and Serene Avenue. Police do not believe impairment is a factor in the crash. Spencer has been blocked off north of Serene while police continue their investigation.

Cybersecurity Professionals Flock to Las Vegas for Black Hat

Black Hat USA, the largest annual cybersecurity conference, is expecting a record 17,000 attendees during its six-day run at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this week. One thing attendees have in mind is making sure they don't get hacked while they're there. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Police chase ends with suspects captured in east Las Vegas

An early Tuesday morning chase ended with a car crash in an east Las Vegas neighborhood. Police were pursuing the vehicle, which they say was involved in robberies in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, when the driver crashed at Owens and Statz Street. A man was taken into custody. A woman was ejected from a vehicle and taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The intersection at Mojave Road and Owens Avenue was shut down while police officers searched for the suspect and investigated. The intersection will remain closed for most of the morning.

Record number participate in Touro University Nevada White Coat Ceremony

Three hundred sixty-five medical students received their white coats during the Touro University Nevada White Coat Ceremony at the M Resort in Henderson Monday. The ceremony was developed to honor students in osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy as they accept the professional responsibilities inherent in their relationship with patients. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Crews moved the wooden Remembrance Wall at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden on South Casino Center Boulevard Monday. Construction on a permanent wall is set to begin within the week. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @MadelynGReese

Man wounded outside Cottages apartment

Las Vegas police don't have a motive after a man was shot early Monday morning outside a northwest valley apartment. The man's mother called police to say her son had been shot. She called police around 1:15 a.m. Other people were inside the apartment but no one else was injured. Police are still looking for the shooter.

Cassi Davis was diagnosed with anxiety and depression after the birth of her second child. After seeking help and support, she felt that there wasn't enough for support for those living day in and day out for those with mood disorders. She created the Crush Run, set for Sept. 22, to raise money for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and bring together a community of people who live with the same conditions she does. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

North Las Vegas marks the opening of Tropical Parkway connector

The City of North Las Vegas, Nevada Department of Transportation and other partners celebrated the opening of the Tropical Parkway connector to Interstate 15 and the Las Vegas Beltway. The stretch of road will make access easier for distribution centers for Amazon, Sephora and other companies moving into an 1,100-acre industrial area rising near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The Adult Superstore on Main Street has closed its doors for good after 45 years. The shop, which offered a multitude of adult toys, novelty items and movies, opened in 1973. Four other locations remain open. A note on the front door tells customers, “We can’t fully express our sorrow.” Adult Superstore was awarded Best of Las Vegas adult store by the Review-Journal in 2016 and 2017 .

Funeral held for Las Vegas corrections officer

Department of Public Safety Correctional Officer Kyle Eng died July 19 after a fight with an inmate at the Las Vegas Jail. A funeral was held for Eng at Canyon Ridge Christian Church Monday, July 30, 2018. (Marcus Villagran/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @brokejournalist

What Back-To-School Shopping Is Like For a CCSD Parent and Teacher

Laura LeBowsky, a CCSD special education teacher and mother of two, set out to shop for her children's supply lists at her local Walmart and Target. She was looking for deals to try to keep the total under $150, while also allowing Chloe, 8, and Brady, 6, some choice in what they wanted. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal) @MadelynGReese

Businesses struggle to fill food manufacturing jobs

Chelten House is a family-owned food manufacturing company from New Jersey. They created a facility in Vegas five years ago and have struggled to find experienced workers in the area. (Marcus Villagran/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

LeBron heckler crosses line, altercation erupts

NBA superstar LeBron James, his wife, Savannah, and daughter Zhuri were at Liberty High School to watch Bronny James in action Wednesday night. But an unruly fan wearing a Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls jersey heckled the newest Los Angeles Laker. The man screamed at event security with LeBron and his family about 150 feet away. The man had to be restrained, triggering a brief altercation with security. James and his family were escorted out a side door along with Bronny's team, the North Coast Blue Chips. Event officials canceled the game between the Blue Chips and Nike Meanstreets.

Las Vegas Oddities Shop in Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas Oddities shop owner Vanessa VanAlstyne describes what's for sale in one of the weirder and wackier stores in Downtown Las Vegas. The store opened less than a year ago and carries everything from human bones to "rogue" taxidermy to Victorian death photography. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Trying to Staying Cool in the Las Vegas Heat

Cooling stations like Cambridge Recreation Center's opened across the Las Vegas Valley this week after the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the area. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Tuesday, July 24 through Thursday, July 26 in Las Vegas. People are reminded to limit outdoor activity, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Visit weather.gov/heat for more heat safety tips. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Burning car in Las Vegas Spaghetti Bowl

Firefighters extinguish a burning car on the Martin Luther King offramp from northbound Interstate 15 in the Spaghetti Bowl in Las Vegas on July 23, 2018.

Fire Department Issues Warning About Water Safety

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Buchanan made a public safety announcement about water safety after Clark County Fire responded to 27 calls that were classified as drowning incidents between May 1 and July 20. Clark County Fire, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and North Las Vegas Fire responded to 55 total calls during the same time. (Madelyn Reese/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

CEO Rossi Ralenkotter is the third-highest-paid public official in the state He has a pay and benefits package valued at $863,000 annually. Ralenkotter does not have an employment contract He announced his retirement in mid June, amid a scandal over airline gift cards LVCVA bought $90,000 in Southwest Airline gift cards between 2012 and 2017. Now auditors can’t account for more than $50,000 of the cards. Ralenkotter and his family used $16,207 in gift cards on 56 trips. Brig Lawson, the senior director of business partnerships, was responsible for buying and distributing the cards. He recently resigned. Ralenkotter's retirement settlement package could cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.